1. Is my condo safe near the ocean if it’s located high up in the building?

No. Studies have shown that hurricane winds 10 – 15 stories up are 10% stronger. A 100 mph wind of the surface would be much stronger in a high-rise building. That’s one reason windows tend to blow in tall buildings.

2. Why don’t we weaken hurricanes with chemicals?

The problem is that the average hurricane is almost the size of Florida. It would take hundreds of airplanes flying 24 hours a day to have any impact at all, and that is not even guaranteed to weaken the storms strength. The best solution for now is to build hurricane resistant homes equipped with wind resistant shutters.

Advocates of window films say their products are always in place, need no last-minute application, and provide sun and burglary protection. Window film, however, does not pass the Miami-Dade certification test because the film does not strengthen the frame. It wont stop your glass from shattering. It will hold the pieces in place. A film-covered window will withstand only whatever wind load it can handle without the film. Therefore, consult with the manufacturer to learn more on how this product is designed and tested.

5. Is plywood a viable means of protection from hurricanes?

Plywood is usually the last resort for many homeowners. Plywood is heavy and hard to store and even more difficult to attach properly. When a storm nears, the plywood can get soaked repeatedly, this results in weaker plywood because its layers will peel apart. If you have to use plywood, the panels should be measured, drilled and labeled in advance.